I recently bought a very nice 1999 V70 T5M. It is a glorious car, and I'm trying to get it all spiffed up. For once, a Volvo I bought hardly needed any fixes!

Anyways, the gray leather shift knob (for the manual tranny) is having some issues in the stitching. Though it's not totally apart yet, much of the stitching is coming out, which is making the leather come apart (obviously). I know a grand upholstery shop nearby who'd do a nice job of fixing it, but I need to take the thing off first. I can't find in my lame Haynes manual how to do it, and my timid efforts at pulling and twisting failed as well. I've read about moving the boot down which exposes clips that I'm bound to break...that doesn't sound so good.

Any advice? I want to get it fixed before the whole thing falls apart.

thanks!

Nate
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1997 850, 1979 242GT, 1990 740GL

Have a look here for a lengthy discussion of several removal methods with a few good images.

http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=110408&postid=1140196

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Dave in Virginia; 1998 V70 T5(M): IPD MOTRONIC+ ECU Upgrade, Sport Muffler, IPD Strut Tower Brace; VDO Boost Gauge, IPD Anti-Sway Bars, Rocha ABS Control Unit, Koni FDS Struts and Shocks/// 1988 245 DL Wagon// 1967 MGB Roadster

Thanks Dave, that was very helpful!

I pulled hard from above, and suddenly it popped loose, with no breaking of anything! I then (because I'm cheap) sewed it up and made it look quite good, especially without full disassembly. It's back on the car, and not falling apart anymore! Now, if I ever feel like splurging on the $68 replacement, I'll be able to get it on quickly.

Thanks all!

Nate
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1997 850, 1979 242GT, 1990 740GL

This is for an auto shifter:
Move the shifter so you can pull the knob straight up. Grasp the leather boot just below the shift knob, there's a plastic lock ring inside. Turn the boot/ring a quarter turn clockwise to disconnect it from tabs on the knob and push the top of the boot down away from the knob. Get yourself centered between the seats so you can put some muscle into it, and just pull the knob straight up.

Manual might be different, but I don't think so.

Klaus
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Volvoless. Sold the R. There is now a void...

Thanks, as always, Klaus. I went at it for a few minutes today...turned that boot hard clockwise and could only get it about 1/8 of a turn and it sure wouldn't drop at all. Without getting out the pliers (which I really don't want to do), I'm not sure how to get the dumb thing off. Maybe it just needs more force.

Nate
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1997 850, 1979 242GT, 1990 740GL

I have always had good luck at my local dealer with that sort of stuff? You know, ask a really dumb question and respond with a dumb, helpless look? I had 2 mechanics show me how to remove the headrest on my 1988 245. Quite a challenge for them.

Over on Volvospeed.com, do a search on shift knob.

Klaus
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Volvoless. Sold the R. There is now a void...

Hah, fair enough. Only problem is that my "local" dealer is 40 minutes away. I may have to head over there one of these days. Couldn't find anything specific on volvospeed either...it just seems that it should not be this hard! I'll keep at it anyways.

You, sir, need to find yourself another Volvo! There are five in my driveway currently, though 1.5 belong to my brother. We're selling the 1990 740 wagon if you want it...though after an R it would seem beyond slow.

Nate
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1997 850, 1979 242GT, 1990 740GL